Benjamin Kassel
Diving into "21st Century Schizoid Man" in memory of Ian McDonald
As I've done twice before, I pay tribute to a recently deceased musician by looking back at one of their works.
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Benjamin Kassel
Feb 9, 20223 min read
With its throwback sound, "Walkin' on the Sun" is far deeper than I realized
It's also just a plain good song from a band that, yes, isn't just a meme.
Benjamin Kassel
Jan 10, 20223 min read
The broad political frustration of "Talkin' Out the Side of Your Neck"
Cameo unload a widespread critique of those in power over the lies they tell with their signature, hard-hitting funk.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 23, 20213 min read
"Riders on the Storm," a master class in atmosphere
The song doesn't even have the word "rain" in it, but its presence is undoubted, as is that of Jim Morrison's most personal character.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 18, 20214 min read
Heart elevate "Alone" with their cover by understanding its message
Yes, it's a cover, and yes, they made a couple small changes that really make their version superior to its predecessors.
Benjamin Kassel
Dec 15, 20214 min read
"Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" has the perfect amount of narration
Elliot Lurie and Looking Glass relay just enough to the listener to make their story both succinct and rich.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 21, 20213 min read
"Celebration" and the comfort in revelry
Even with its title and sporting usage, Kool & the Gang's signature song embodies a more laidback form of celebrating.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 15, 20215 min read
This is a "Land of Confusion," but we have the power to change that
Genesis capture the strife which penetrates our world on all levels, while also leaving the door open for humanity to still work things out.
Benjamin Kassel
Nov 3, 20214 min read
A funky tribute to the "Outstanding" Ronnie Wilson
His accomplishments are visible throughout one of the Gap Band's signature and most evergreen songs.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 20, 20214 min read
"Smoke from a Distant Fire," a polished, way-too-catchy master class in figurative lyrics
Perhaps my favorite 70s one-hit wonder has a great narrative build which really pays off in its latter half.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 9, 20215 min read
"DEAD RIGHT NOW," a reflection on fake friendship and love in the wake of stardom
One of the many highlights on Lil Nas X's debut album, its personal narrative stands out to me.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 7, 20214 min read
"Glory Days" and why it shouldn't be played at baseball games
...ehh, who cares? Enough people have already misheard it that it doesn't even matter.
Benjamin Kassel
Oct 1, 20214 min read
"Dancing in the Moonlight" is the sound of harmless joy and escape...
It's light, it's upbeat... and the context in which it was written definitely explains its sound.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 27, 20214 min read
"Spiderwebs" and the trouble of getting oneself free
This ska punk jam has one of the most unique origin stories for a track I've ever heard — one which makes me question my own life a bit.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 26, 20214 min read
"She's Not There" combines various influences into a stirring pop rock hit
The title of the Zombies' jumpstart single is an answer, but it, along with the rest of the song, only breeds more questions.
Benjamin Kassel
Sep 21, 20216 min read
For my money, "Shining Star" is Earth, Wind & Fire's crowning musical achievement
On the day most associated with the group, I just had to write about them — but I had to do it my way.
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